• Independence Day (1985) -- Anson, Merkel (no, not the Will Smith film)

• Hangar 18 (1980) -- Big Spring

• Midnight Cowboy (1969) -- Big Spring

Dawn Ham listened attentively, envisioning the benefits of luring film production crews -- and the resulting dollars -- to her community.

"With all the unique stuff we have in Stamford, there's no reason we shouldn't push for this," Ham said, referring to a town of 3,600 people that straddles Jones and Haskell counties.

Ham was among more than two dozen people who attended a Texas Film Commission-sponsored workshop Tuesday aimed at encouraging communities to attain "film friendly" status and ultimately qualify to have information on the commission's Web site that producers look at when searching for filming locations.

Also on hand was Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Nanci Liles, who said Abilene is taking steps to be designated a "film friendly" community.

"I'm very hopeful," said Liles, adding that Abilene has much to offer filmmakers, including restored homes, wind, oil, gas, ranches and wide-open spaces.

Liles and Jennilee Latimer, also of the Abilene CVB, recently attended a similar workshop in San Marcos and convinced the Texas Film Commission to hold the regional workshop Tuesday at the T&P Depot in downtown Abilene.

Carol Pirie, the film commission's deputy director, said film productions provide a boost to communities as film crews and others, including the paparazzi, spend money while in town.

"It's important for economic development," said Pirie, adding that the commission wants it "to come to more parts of Texas than just the major cities."

In addition to taking the workshop, Pirie said, communities are instructed how to choose photos and then must adopt a "film policy" that is vetted by the film commission.

Qualifying communities receive a "film friendly" state certificate, and their photos are posted on the commission's Web site, Pirie said. Participating communities also receive e-mail alerts after film producers inquire about potential locations.

One of the biggest benefactors of the state's film-attracting efforts has been Smithville, a town of approximately 5,000 about 45 miles southeast of Austin.

After being the first Texas community to be certified "film friendly" more than a decade ago, Smithville acted as a site for "Hope Floats," a 1998 movie that starred Sandra Bullock, Harry Connick Jr. and Gena Rowlands and directed by Forest Whitaker.

"It took us a decade to get another one," Lewis said.

Earlier this year, writer and director Terrence Malick filmed "Tree of Life," which stars Brad Pitt and Sean Pean and will be released in late 2009, in Smithville.

"We ended up hosting Brad Pitt for four months in our town," said Adena Lewis, president of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pitt's wife -- movie star Angelina Jolie -- and the couple's children also resided in Smithville during filming.

Sales tax revenues went up 17 percent in the first month, Lewis said, adding the crew and paparazzi associated with "Tree of Life" totaled more than 400 "extra people" who spent their dollars in and around Smithville.

Lewis addressed those attending Tuesday's workshop, telling them of the importance of having "a team that works together."

"There's almost a pride factor that goes along with it," Lewis said.

To go along with its hospitality, Lewis said Abilene and the surrounding areas have much to offer.

"You have so much to offer, especially in your wonderful restored buildings," Lewis said, noting communities can attempt to attract much more than just major motion pictures -- such as music videos, commercials and independent films.

Pamela Mount, of Pamela Mount Location/Design Services, said Texas has it all for films.

Now, Mount said, the state needs to improve its tax incentives for filmmakers.

Mount and Camile Scioli McNamara, a Lubbock-based independent producer/production manager, said lawmakers should be contacted to improve the incentives as part of an effort to attract and keep moviemaking jobs in Texas.